Paramount and 101 Studios have taken on a significant responsibility by stepping in to save Christmas for dozens of construction workers involved in their upcoming Guy Ritchie series. The situation became critical when it was discovered that at least 50 people who worked on building the sets for the gangster show had not been paid, amounting to around £250,000 ($316,000). However, there is now hope that the money will be available in time for the holiday.

How Paramount and 101 Studios Are Saving Christmas for Construction Workers

Construction Workers Left Unpaid

Deadline has learned that construction of the sets took place over the summer. Due to financial strife experienced by the set construction firm Helix3D, which is likely to enter liquidation, the non-payment issue has emerged in recent weeks. Paramount and 101 are understood to have paid Helix, but Helix failed to pass on some of the funds to at least 50 people who are members of UK broadcasting union Bectu. Many workers have raised concerns in a Facebook group, fearing they won't be paid before Christmas.This has caused great distress among the workers, as they have been tirelessly working to finish building the sets. Some are now worried about covering necessities like bills.

The Show and Its Stars

The show, which has been rolling cameras in London, stars Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan. It features two warring families whose enterprises span the globe. Produced for Paramount+ with Showtime by 101 and MTV Studios, it is currently untitled but has had working titles like The Associate and Fixer.Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy), and Mandeep Dhillon (CSI: Vegas) have recently joined the Ritchie gangster show, adding to the excitement.

Intervention and Hopes

Deadline understands that Paramount and 101 have now intervened and are hopeful they can pay all the money owed to the construction workers by early next week. A rumor that star and producer Hardy will personally help with the payments has been dispelled.In a letter sent yesterday to Helix boss Brian Dowling from Bectu official Chris Hudson, it was stated that while liquidation now "seems unavoidable," the lack of foresight in anticipating this situation was avoidable given Helix's serious financial troubles.Paramount's TV stock has been on the rise recently with the success of their Netflix series The Gentlemen, which has been recommissioned for a second season. However, their representatives did not respond to a request for comment on this story.